Housing Question

So, I'm trying to figure out what cage would be best for an adult male ball python, and I'm hoping you guys can give me some opinions on these and tell me which you prefer:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large Tall (36"l x 18"w x 24"t)
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large X-Tall (36"l x 18"w x 36"t)

-or-

Basic Aquarium with screen top. If so, what size would you recommend?

Also, I'm curious on whether I should get one of those burrows you bury under the substrate or would that be wasted on a ball python? I've heard of a few who enjoy it? My female corn absolutely loves the underground burrows while my male corn never touched it so I know it varies by snake but I'm still curious on whether you think a ball python would even be interested? This is what I'm talking about: http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...-burrow-large/

And finally, what is your opinion on using a live plant/tree in the cage? Is that a good idea or not? Why or why not?? Thanks! I'll probably add more questions later since I'm planning the cage for my first ball python rather than one of my corn snakes

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Originally Posted by MisssMariee

So, I'm trying to figure out what cage would be best for an adult male ball python, and I'm hoping you guys can give me some opinions on these and tell me which you prefer:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large Tall (36"l x 18"w x 24"t)
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ass-terrarium/ - Exo-Terra Glass Terrarium - Large X-Tall (36"l x 18"w x 36"t)

-or-

Basic Aquarium with screen top. If so, what size would you recommend?

Also, I'm curious on whether I should get one of those burrows you bury under the substrate or would that be wasted on a ball python? I've heard of a few who enjoy it? My female corn absolutely loves the underground burrows while my male corn never touched it so I know it varies by snake but I'm still curious on whether you think a ball python would even be interested? This is what I'm talking about: http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...-burrow-large/

And finally, what is your opinion on using a live plant/tree in the cage? Is that a good idea or not? Why or why not?? Thanks! I'll probably add more questions later since I'm planning the cage for my first ball python rather than one of my corn snakes

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I'm a big fan of tanks that allow side access rather than only top access. Maybe it's me, but I'm uncomfortable (and I'm sure the snake is too) having a giant hand swoop down from the sky. We currently have 2 exoterras, they're excellent. You could always go with a tub as well, wayyyy cheaper, but it sounds like you want a naturalistic display.

My balls don't really burrow. Closest I'll get is wedging behind the water dish lol. But yours might be different, so it doesn't hurt to try. Worst case, your corn gets an extra burrow out of the deal :)

The live plant is more for your benefit than the snake. Balls are kinda chunky, so unless you have a sturdy tree or a stunted snake, everything will most likely get crushed. We had a little on in there for awhile, but my boy likes to redecorate his tank A LOT and it didn't last long lol.

The cages shown are not geared toward BP, with a BP what is important is the floor space not the height.

As far as the hide it will be too small for an adult.

In term of glass enclosures this is the style and size that would work for an adult http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/critter-cages.htm (30 or 40 gallons)

For hide this will work for a male http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/dcor/rock-den.htm (larger one)

As far as live plant, BP are heavy body and the plants will be crushed and die.

If you get your BP as an hatchling I would recommend a smaller enclosure with appropriate size hides and upgrade as your BP grows.

Well, I think I'll be saving the live plants for my crested gecko terrarium I'm planning after the ball python!

I am getting a hatchling, but I currently have an assortment of old fish tanks lying around I intend to use for now - I used to breed bettas but doing 10 water changes every week got highly boring. I'd rather deal with snakes and cleaning their cages, besides, I can handle snakes rather than just look at them! I have a 10 gallon, a 20 gallon and a 15 gallon lying around. I figure between those three, they should work well before he's ready for an adult tank, no? If not, I can trade them for others as he outgrows.

Do you think I'll need a mister/fogger humidity wise? Or should misting daily be okay?

I thought ball pythons preferred height? I'm probably wrong - I'm going off of what a few people have said based upon their snakes but, every snake is an individual!

Adding: I got burned out on fish so fast because I purchased 8 at once and went from 0 fish to 8 fish and then at my high point had up to 18 at once while underestmating the care they needed. That's why I'm growing my snake collection one by one so I can make sure that doesn't happen again. I don't want anyone thinking I'm going to grow bored and get rid of them. Also, I've wanted more snakes ever since I was 9 and we got rid of our red tailed boa (my family apparantly didn't realize she'd grow so big and with her... feisty temperament, it wasn't a safe thing for our family). So, just don't want anyone thinking I'll grow bored of them

Just FYI, if you use a standard fish tank, you may have problems regulating humidity and temps. I know I do, but I'm too stubborn to switch because I made it myself and it looks darn good!! Lol I had to modify a humidifier and pipe it in, it's on a timer to go for 5 minutes every 2 hours. But then again, I live in the desert and it's wayyy hard to get decent humidity unless you go with a tub,
P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MisssMariee

I thought ball pythons preferred height? I'm probably wrong - I'm going off of what a few people have said based upon their snakes but, every snake is an individual!

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No, floor space is far more important.

Alright! Well, the two Exo terra cages I linked to, with their floor space if it was only 12" high it would be 33.7 gallons so I wasn't sure because everyone says 30-40 gallons for the proper size, so I figured 33 gallon plus all that height would be a good choice? I guess I'll keep looking for cages, thanks! I did quite like the idea of the front/side door thing rather than reaching in from above as I know that affected my female corn's behavior majorly.

Editing to add: Either that or the calculator I've been using to figure out the gallon size I've been using is wrong

I use a 36x18x18 exo terra for my biggest and most social ball python. He's 4.5 feet, 1800-1900g. The tank is huge for him. I have two really thick branches gorilla glued to the tank that he uses at night, but I think any more height would be completely useless.

The exo terra did need some modding to work for him though. I have the whole top screen covered to keep in humidity except for a square where my ceramic heat emitter is. I also have the sides half way blacked out for security.

All my other snakes are in tubs and do equally fine. I don't think a full grown ball python is going to make it to the top of a 36" tank without a loud and painful sounding thud immediately after.

I'm kinda surprised this hasn't been said... I would avoid glass. It's such a pain the in rear to regulate heat and humidity. We had HDPE enclosures made by Ed at constrictors northwest. I love his Prolines. There are also PVC enclosures by Animal plastics and boaphiles that a lot of people love. These aren't the only ones... Vison cages, Boamaster, etc. 36x24x12-18 is a great size. Our 4' BP is in 48x24x14.

http://animalplastics.com/

Terrestrial cages, T8. its 48x24x12 I have my ball and corn in one each. I feel they are the best option. front sliding glass doors with locks, I use radiant heat panels (http://www.reptilebasics.com/40-watt-radiant-heat-panel) with a herpstat 2 (http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html) thermostat. works incredibly. my house is always somewhere between 60-80 degrees and this setup keeps the temps perfect (to whatever you set the herpstat) and the humidity sits between 40-60% depending on the substrate/water bowl size.

Sure an adult BP could be in a 36xwhatever cage, but I feel the extra space is appreciated. she eats well, doesn't seem stressed or restless but also roams around and stretches out. As for height, she was in a 36x12x18 glass enclosure (humidity was a struggle) and she would climb it and come crashing down, so I didn't like it much and figured more floor space less height would be better suited for her since shes not the brightest ;]

Anyway, Id recommend what ive suggested. the cages are PVC they will last as long as the snake is alive, they come with dividers if you has a small baby and want it to grow into the cage, and they will be big enough for the adult life. hope that helps and isn't confusing.

I do like the Animal Plastics cage, and what you said makes sense, I forget they're heavier bodied snakes. My corns climb like it's nothing because they're thin little guys compared to a ball, and so I guess I keep forgetting they won't be doing much climbing! I was thinking I could get my dad (master builder) to create branches and climbing structures that even a ball would be fine with? I guess I just like the cages that have more glass visible, I like how you can see more of the cage from a lot of directions so that's why I favor the exo terra cage. I'm currently planning on picking him/her up in September or August at a local expo, depending on how things are coming along. So, nothing immediate just yet, but I do want to get a start on this. I want to add another $200 to my pet emergency cash and so I need to make sure I've got enough set aside for the cage, decor, all that.

How long does it take the average hatchling to reach adult size?

Also, do any of you guys have any tips on moving with snakes? I'm moving out of state in February, and I'm trying to figure out the least stressful way to move them. It will be a three day trip. What I've heard is to get a shoebox, poke holes in it, add bedding/cloth of some sort, and use tape to seal it once placing the snake in it then put them in a box and add a heat pack? Anything else I should know?

Another +1 for the PVC enclosures. Their ability to hold heat and humidity really simplifies the husbandry by making sure the environment is kept once its established, instead of having to be adjusted and controlled as much.

Often people will cover multiple sides on glass enclosures to make the snake more comfortable, so even with a glass enclosure you may find yourself covering the viewing sides anyways.

As far as the climbing surfaces, as long as they're secure so they wont fall, it's not going to be a problem. Just realize you're putting them in there more for you than for the snake. The snake will still need the same footprint space, and you'll be paying extra for the height that the snake may never (really, never. But every snake is different.) use.

I too prefer PVCx over everything. However glass is my second choice the ease of cleaning and thermal mass off set some of the issues once glass is warm it doesn't cool easily. You also have a wide range of heat possibilities over other options. I place tubs at the bottom unless you have a fairly warm room (normal at least for me is 68ºF) 73-4º+ plastic tubs can be very difficult to regulate air temps inside of. Either in a rack or by its self. Racks save a massive amount of space but cleaning and disinfecting them is a monster pain and very difficult.

Good to know! I really only want two sides open so I can see him from both my desk, and my bed. However, I realize I'll probably have to concede that depending on how skittish he/she is. I just like to have the option to have two open sides if he turns out to be not skittish. Looks to me, I'll be looking into a vision cage type thing then I guess

I was at the store yesterday (to get my ball python kicks, I've been going to the pet store every week or so and they let me hold their ball pythons. They're really quite nice and I think the reptile guy likes it because he likes holding them but he never gets to unless a customer asks) and they decided to let me hold the Pinstripe instead of the normals claiming that the reason is that "the normals are a lot more bite-ish than the other morphs". I haven't heard that before, so is that more pet store misinformation?

im new to owning my ball python her name is isis. i got her into my possession when i purchased her from a pet store for a friend but he wasnt ready for another snake so i took her in. from pictures i came to the conclusion she is only 6months or a few months older. i have a few questions regarding this,

1. would it be okay to keep her in a 55 gallon aquarium when she is older
2. what should i feed her? i talked to my local hardware store and they feed there sand boa feeder mouse and my bp is bigger than it its just those mouse look like monsters
3. what humidity should i keep the tank?

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im new to owning my ball python her name is isis. i got her into my possession when i purchased her from a pet store for a friend but he wasnt ready for another snake so i took her in. from pictures i came to the conclusion she is only 6months or a few months older. i have a few questions regarding this,

1. would it be okay to keep her in a 55 gallon aquarium when she is older
2. what should i feed her? i talked to my local hardware store and they feed there sand boa feeder mouse and my bp is bigger than it its just those mouse look like monsters
3. what humidity should i keep the tank?

I wouldn't buy either of those. If you really want an Exo-Terra cage you need to go with the 36"X18"X12" also known as the LARGE LOW size. It has plenty of floor space and Ball pythons really don't need the height so it would be very easy to heat with just one 50 watt red lamp and/or a 12" UTH. It would make a beautiful display cage. I myself have a 36"X18"X18" and I would gladly trade it for the lower one even though mine cost more. Just to take advantage of the easier husbandry that comes with it. I'm sure with the other two really tall cages you must be thinking "big pretty cage" when you need to be thinking "proper care for the animal I intend to put in there"

You were close, but I was thinking more along the lines of: 'pretty big cage' not 'big pretty cage' I forget they're heavier bodied and obviously won't be supported by most taller plants and things...

Go for the animal plastics cage, you won't regret it. They are a bit more of an initial investment (those Exo-Terra's aren't cheap either) but they make keeping temperatures and humidity a breeze!

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Originally Posted by mortimore2013

im new to owning my ball python her name is isis. i got her into my possession when i purchased her from a pet store for a friend but he wasnt ready for another snake so i took her in. from pictures i came to the conclusion she is only 6months or a few months older. i have a few questions regarding this,

1. would it be okay to keep her in a 55 gallon aquarium when she is older
2. what should i feed her? i talked to my local hardware store and they feed there sand boa feeder mouse and my bp is bigger than it its just those mouse look like monsters
3. what humidity should i keep the tank?

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im new to owning my ball python

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It would be a much better idea to start your own thread instead of hijacking this one. Also, give these threads a good read...
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...t-Thermometers

I will definitely look into them (though after today, my bank is pretty low on funds), I wanted to let everyone I know got my first ball python ever today and have decided to call her Amanda (after my cousin who died thursday). I had no intentions of getting a ball python now since my funds are so easily depleted, but I had to take her. I got a call last night from a friend who I'd helped get her ball python at LLL reptiles last week. She had since decided she didn't want to take care of it anymore (she found the idea of feeding mice repulsive and was annoyed there was no alternative) and was just going to release it. So, I told her I'd take it. She refused to give me any of the supplies or allow me to purchase them, so I had to go buy all new stuff today - as well as purchase the snake. Though, I don't believe I did too bad considering I only spent $110 total. So, I know she's healthy and she's from a reputable shop. I'll be adding a few photos soon. Sorry it took so long to reply to everyone but I had to go see my family following my cousin Amanda's death

PHOTOS!

http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...art/photo1.jpg
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...art/photo4.jpg
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/y...art/photo3.jpg

Also, what about these cages for an adult? I read you need over 800 in^2 for an adult ball python and that cage is 1008 in^2. Do you think that's big enough? Thanks!


Helps If I give you the link....
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...2-vision-cage/